The Ikoma Herald, also known as the Ikoma Battle-Criers school, usually started out as young Ikoma bards fresh from their gempukku who would be sent to Shiro no Yojin for lessons in history of battles. It was uncommon, but not unheard of, for these students to become so taken with the stories that they go out and join the Lion forces in battle, screaming tales of their ancestors to boost morale. These individuals were so valued that the Ikoma Daimyo endorsed the practice of pursuing other paths than just a bard.